Sore thumbs?

[KevinC1980]

I have a question. I have been riding now for about a month or two. I have only put around 1000 miles on the trike so far. After riding my thumbs at the base joint hurt when I grab anything, if I scratch my cheek with it if feels kinda "clicky" in the joint, and it hurts to put pressure on it from anything. Its both thumbs at the base joint. If it was just the clutch hand I would get it due to the constant use of the clutch. But the right hand is just 90% throttle use. Any ideas what I am doing wrong here to cause the sore thumbs? It hasn't stopped me from riding but it does shorten the trips until I figure it out.

Thanks in advance.

[cavie]

Yep, been there done that. You need to see a hand specialist. He will make a small incision at the base of you thumbs and cut a tendon. The motorcycle is not the cause. Just a coincidence.

- - - Updated - - -

Yep, been there done that. You need to see a hand specialist. He will make a small incision at the base of you thumbs and cut a tendon. The motorcycle is not the cause. Just a coincidence.

[dirtdobber]

Before seeing a doctor I would consider larger grips or gel padded gloves.
The extra diameter aids in not having your hand so tight-too small. Another thing is you need to relax. If your tense, you don't realize that you tighten up your grip this will cause this problem. I use gel padded half gloves and when cruising I always use the cruise control and use only the palm of my hands to steer this stops getting tensed so much, I do use my hands when needed. These trikes handle great and has very easy steering.
Get more time behind you riding it so you can adjust to things better. If your thumb starts to get numb just put your thumb on the same side of the grip as your fingers. This will give you some relief.
It is possible you may need to see a doctor but most over come it without needing to.

[2006gold]

Experienced something similar after riding quite a distance in rain. My doc called it 'handle bar paralysis' caused by gripping too hard on the throttle and clutch. I must admit I was really tense most of the ride being unable to see through the windshield at times. It went away in a few days. Try bigger grips and being aware of, and easing, tension in your body before resorting to surgery.

[KevinC1980]

I have to admit that i am tense when riding sometimes. Being a new rider and a rider with disabilities i do get nervouse sometimes lol. But i will be more concious of the grip from now on and try to stay relaxed. i have Harley fingerless gloves that have some padding in the palm but not a lot. I may get another pair to see if different gloves help. thanks for the suggestions.

[BinIdaho]

Get ISO grips (kuy...., however you spell it) put on TG....cuts down the vibration. Gripping too hard. My thumbs "go to sleep" on a long, long trip....have to shake off once in awhile. Gripping too hard causes all kinds of aches/pains....just learn to relax and get the TG guide you down the road!

[Rick Kay]

I am guessing you may have arthritis in the base thumb joint called CMC osteoarthritis. I have this problem and it is alleviated by this brace: <a href="https://handlab.com/metagrip.html" target="_blank">https://handlab.com/metagrip.html</a> It is the only thing, short of surgery, that I have found that gives relief.

[Gorilla]

i have arthritis in the base of my thumbs. My hands would really hurt. I installed Heli-Bars adjusted them for my wrists and have been riding pain free since 2010. When I purchased my 2013 TRI one of the first things I did was change out the bars to the Heli-Bars. Just my personal experience. Yes they are expensive but riding pain free is worth it to me.

[Keystone]

For me the solution was to go to larger grips. Had the same issue on two and three wheels.

[DK Custom Products]

I do the following for my hands & wrists, which helps a lot-

Relax my grip on the handlebar grips

Use cruise control a lot

ISO grips (see them HERE)

Have custom handlebars that let my wrists be straight when they're on the handlebar grips

I push to steer with the palms of my hands (keeping a loose grip) that combined with the ISO grips and gloves with gel in the palms

A few years ago I noticed that much of the time my left thumb is on Top of the grip with the rest of my fingers...I don't know how/why I started doing that...but it is comfortable that way and if I need to move it down, I can do it quickly.

Hope your thumbs start feeling better without needing a doc to cut on them.

Kevin

[KevinC1980]

I went to the doc about the sore thumb issue. I have whats called de quervain's tenosynovitis. Not caused by riding, but riding did make it worse. I have stopped gripping the bars, now putting my thumbs on top of the grips instead of under them. Pushing to turn with my palms as suggested above. And the doc said take 4 ibuprophen every 8 hours. And now ride pain free for the most part.

[pcombe]

You could also try one of these. I use one and like it a lot.

http://www.crampbuster.com/

got one too, it does make a difference

[missedem]

Had horrible cramps in my hands when i first started riding the freewheeler. I have big paws. I got a set of HD magnum get a grips ...grips. Solved the problem for me. Comfortable gloves also help. Aerostitch sells a great elkskin glove that is super comfortable for about 50 bucks. My last pair lasted 17 years. I just got another pair and they are as comfortable as always. They also have a visor squeegie on the left side thumb which is very helpful in those unexpected down pours. If you change the grips make sure you get the ones for throttle by wire bikes.

[screwball]

Wife has neuropathy in her hands and feet. First thing we changed on all her bikes is the grips. Large sponge covered grips. First couple of times I rode her bike / trikes I fell in love. Have been installing them on my scoots too. Ordered 2 pair of replacement foam covers.

Good Luck!